Ah, winter break. It's good to be back in my home state of Kentucky for the month. Despite the cold weather here, It is good to get to be with my family for more than a few days. And for my fellow fangirls/fanboys/nerds/geeks/whatever you call yourself. You often have a lot of free time. Free time that ends up devoted to numerous obsessions.

A lot of us would love to incorporate it into our holidays, but aside from wearing that Harry Potter shirt to Christmas dinner, might not know how. So I gathered together five tips to geek out your break without driving your family (too) crazy.

1. Stock up on media ahead of time.

Wether you plan on spending your break, or watching movies, tv, or playing video games. Anything you want that you are not putting on your list of stuff you want for Christmas, or whatever holiday you celebrate. It is a good ideal to get it ahead of time. If you think you can work that extra shopping into your parents holiday shopping schedule, you are most likely wrong.

Also, who actually wants to deal with holiday shopping crowds? Not this girl.

2. Speaking of gifts, put all that nerd merch you've been eyeing on that list.

I know you've been eyeing that overpriced fandom stuff on Hot Topics website for a while now. No judgement, I only know this because I've been doing the same thing.

That Star Wars sweater is totally awesome, and that Black Widow workout outfit might actually give you the motivation to work out for once. But it is also extremely expensive. And we're going to have to buy textbooks real soon.

Just put it on the list, you'll thank yourself later. Trust me.

3. Got interesting hobbies? Put them to use!

Especially if those hobbies would allow you to make a gift rather than having to buy it. You get good practice, and your friends/relatives will definitely appreciate that fact that you spent the time to make it for them!

4. Nerdy decorations are always a good conversation starter!

Okay, so unless you have a room big enough to have your own Christmas tree in your room (which I don't) it is unlikely that your parents are going to let you have a tree dedicated to your current obsession. but it is unlikely that they would object to a few ornaments of the TARDIS, or your favorite Disney characters. And obviously, Christmas trees are not the only decorations out there, some smaller things are absolutely doable!

5. Introduce the people you love to the things you love!

The whole point of the season is love and family right? So if you love something that you know a friend or relative would, try to get them to enjoy it with you! My mom has ended up absolutely loving movies that I had introduced. Not only could your loved ones finally understand why you won't shut up about something. But it's also a good way to spend time together. I have found that cheesy horror movies and anything old with dated special effects are especially good bonding movies.

Between free time and family time, there are a lot of ways to incorporate your interests into your break!

And hopefully not drive your family nuts in the process.